Alaphilippe will kick off his campaign at the Tour de la Provence
It’s been a good winter for Julian Alaphilippe. L’Equipe awarded him the Vélo d’Or Français and Champion des Champions trophies in recognition of his impressive 2021 season, and the two training camps he took part in together with his Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl teammates gave him a solid foundation for what the Frenchman hopes will be another successful year.
Winner of back-to-back World Championships, Julian will get his season underway in February, at the seventh edition of the Tour de la Provence, a race he lit up last year. Resplendent in his rainbow jersey, Alaphilippe delivered a spectacular and complete performance at the four-day event – attacking from the distance on the opening day, playing a vital role in the Wolfpack’s lead-out train and putting in a gutsy ride on the slopes of Mont Ventoux en route to a morale-boosting second in the overall classification.
“First and foremost, I want to enjoy my second year in the rainbow jersey. Having it gives me extra motivation to fight for victory in the biggest races on the calendar. I will start the season again in Provence, I liked it there last year and I’m happy to return next month to this beautiful race, in front of my home fans.”
“My season will continue in Italy, with Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico and Milano-Sanremo, before switching to the Ardennes Classics in April. These are races that suit me and where I want to do good. Liège–Bastogne–Liège will be the biggest goal in the first part of the year, is a race I love and hopefully I will be up there again, fighting for victory”, said the World Champion.
Photo © Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl – © Wout Beel
